Haus der Musik (House of Music) In this interactive museum we experience the world of sound in new and exciting ways. With the help of a dice you can compose your own waltz or try your hand at conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – who then pass comment on your efforts! Or do you want to know exactly how Mozart might have looked? Phantom photos of him and his wife Constanze give us an idea. Besides Johann Strauss and Mozart, further show rooms are dedicated to many other Austrian musicians and the world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente (Collection of Historic Musical Instruments) This unique museum is the result of the Habsburg’s passion for collecting. Besides many interesting musical instruments from different epochs since the Renaissance several curiosities are on display. See a violin from the estate of Leopold Mozart, the only preserved original recording of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Lanner’s violin and portrait and much more. Musikverein Concert Hall (Society of Music Lovers) Home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who to this day bring forth the music of Johann Strauss to the world. For the opening of the Musikverein in 1870 Strauss composed and conducted the waltz “Freut euch des Lebens”. An honorary membership of the Society of Music Lovers was later given to him. The Vienna New Year’s Concert is broadcast annually from the Golden Hall in the Musikverein to millions of viewers all over the world. Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) This most beautiful Viennese baroque church was one of the main achievements of father and son architects Fischer von Erlach, and the marriage of Johann Strauss and his second wife Lily took place here. As a result of this ultimately unsuccessful marriage one of the most famous Austrians became a German citizen! Find out why. Until further notice it is still possible to take an elevator near to the top of the breath-taking dome and see the ceiling frescoes at close range. Central Cemetary The largest Viennese cemetery with a large number of graves and memorials in honor of famous people: Johann Strauss senior, Johann Strauss junior and his last wife Adele, his brothers Eduard and Josef Strauss and other notable personalities from Viennese cultural, economic and political life. See the monument to Mozart – his real communal grave is at the St. Marx Cemetery. Stadtpark with Strauss Statue Taking a stroll through the wonderful city park we will pay a visit to the waltz king. Strauss/Lanner Monument in the City Hall Park In combination with whatever event is taking place on the City Hall Square e.g. the Music Film Festival in summer, the Christmas Market during Advent etc. For further ideas please see Events.

Blue Danube Waltz House A tour of the Strauss Museum in Praterstrasse. This was the city apartment of the “waltz king” during his first marriage to the opera singer Henriette (Jetty) Treffz. It was here that he composed the Blue Danube Waltz, which has become one of the best known melodies in the world and is often considered to be Austria’s unofficial national anthem. The history and huge success of the Blue Danube Waltz highlights the marketing genius of the waltz king. St. Stephen’s Cathedral Visit the inside and outside of this Viennese landmark. It was here that Mozart and Strauss both married and Emperor Franz Joseph was rumored to have entered into a marriage of conscience with his “friend” Katharina Schratt. In the course of the tour we hear about the embalming tradition of the Habsburgs, burial regulations in the 18th century, Mozart’s confirmation and the background to his burial in a so-called “pauper’s grave”. Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) This monumental structure, the first one completed on the Ring Boulevard, opened in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”. On January 1st 1892 the opera “Ritter Pásmán” by Johann Strauss was premiered here. The tour includes the auditorium, the vestibule, the interval rooms, Empress Elizabeth’s tea salon and if possible even the stage of this world-renowned opera house. Hear about the Opera Ball, the glittering high point of the internationally famous Viennese carnival season. It has become a tradition that Johann Strauss’ operetta “Die Fledermaus” is performed at the state opera on New Year’s Eve. Theater an der Wien The stage for numerous operettas by Johann Strauss – a notable exception being “A Night in Venice”. We will discover why on the tour! The Papageno Gate is a reminder of the founder of the theater Emanuel Schikaneder, the librettist of “The Magic Flute” – a friend and Masonic brother of Mozart’s. The hugely successful musicals “Elisabeth” (a musical rendition of the life of the empress) and “Mozart” were performed here. The Theater an der Wien is one of the oldest theaters in the city with an interesting and varied history. Today it is again one of Vienna’s three opera houses. Café Dommayer Visit to Café Dommayer close to Schönbrunn Palace – it has taken over the legacy of the legendary Dommayer’s Casino, where the 19-year-old Johann Strauss junior celebrated his debut as a conductor against the wishes of his father. To mark the 100th year of his death in 1999 a bust of the waltz king was unveiled in front of the café. Very nearby is another of his former homes (outside visit only) and the hotel to which he withdrew after the death of his first wife, Jetty. An additional place of interest is her burial ground in Hietzing Cemetery.